Governor Evans Kidero woos Kiambu traders with lower land rates

Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero has urged the business community from Kiambu working in Nairobi to support his re-election bid.

Members of the Kiambu-Nairobi Business Community in return asked the governor to address their grievances before the August 8 General Election.

They want Dr Kidero to renew their land leases, lower land rates, lower penalties and interests, eradicate land grabbing and establish more markets for food traders before the August 8 elections.

Kidero met the Kikuyu Council of Elders and the traders at City Hall yesterday and promised them goodies and protection of their businesses ahead of the polls.

“We will protect property and businesses and will not allow any disruption of business as has been the case whenever there are elections in the previous years. This year we are demanding that the elections be free and fair so there is no reason for violence,” Kidero said.

Kikuyu Council of Elders Kiambu chapter Chairman Waweru Mbugua said they were concerned about rampant land grabbing, adding that some officials were evicting tenants before their leases expired. “It is very unfortunate that a family that has lived on a piece of land for generations can be evicted without being given a chance to renew the lease,” Waweru said.

He said traders ferrying produce to the city incurred high costs due to high penalties and rates levied by the county government.

Kidero said a food market that will host 5000 traders is being built off Outering Road.

He urged the traders to avoid divisive politics, saying Nairobi needs a leader who unites people and provides services to all.